Over 10,000 Americans were killed in car accidents in 2017 just for not buckling their seat belts. This may seem as the common thing to do, yet more people are forgetting to buckle up while behind the wheel. Various law enforcement agencies are stressing the importance of buckling up as the weather heats. As summer approaches, more and more people will be heading out to travel or visit desired destinations.

A new campaign 'Click it or Ticket' has been launched that aims to have more patrols on the road during the summer months to look for people who are not using their seat belts.

OSHA recently shared a news release indicating the changes that are going into effect to improve overall workplace rapport and practices.

The final rule included revisions in 14 provisions, such as the record keeping, general industry, maritime, and construction standards, that may be confusing, outdated, or unnecessary. The revisions are expected to increase understanding and compliance with the provisions, improve employee safety and health, and save employers an estimated $6.1 million per year.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

As part of its effort to combat the nation’s opioid crisis, the Food and Drug Administration has launched a campaign to encourage Americans to safely remove and dispose of unused prescription opioids from their homes.

Through its “Remove the Risk” initiative, FDA hopes to decrease unnecessary exposure to opioids and prevent addiction. Opioids are powerful pain relievers that – when misused or abused – can lead to addiction, overdose and death.

Drug poisoning is the No. 1 cause of unintentional death in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. Each day, more than 100 people die from opioid drugs, many of which are prescribed. Additionally, 70% of people who have abused opioids reported getting the drugs from friends or relatives, despite the fact that opioid sharing is a felony.

Legislation has been introduced in the California State Assembly that is aimed at protecting outdoor workers from harmful levels of wildfire smoke, after one of the worst wildfire seasons in the state’s recorded history.

This bill would require employers to provide respirators to outdoor workers to protect against smoke from wildfires or burning structures as a result of wildfires. “Wildfire smoke consists of different gases and fine particles,” the bill states, “some from burning vegetation and others from burning structures, with the structures often having been built with asbestos, lead and other toxins. This complex mixture of chemicals and substances can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems.”

Inhalation of wildfire smoke can trigger heart disease, permanently reduce lung function, and cause cancer or even premature death. Last year, more than 100 people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed in more than 7,500 wildfires that burned nearly 1.7 million acres. Because of the sudden-changing nature of wildfires, the bill would exempt employers from medical evaluations and fit testing before respirator use by workers.

May is National Bike Month, and with bicycle-related deaths peaking in the summer months, this an ideal time to adopt some proven injury-prevention strategies before sharing the road with motor vehicles.

Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) finds that adults are more likely than children to die in a bicyclist-motor vehicle crash, with adults accounting for 88% of bicyclist fatalities. One-third of non-fatal bicyclist injuries are to the head.

A “Three E” approach – engineering, education and enforcement – is recommended for bicycle safety. An essential component of education is wearing a properly fitted helmet. A bike helmet is a cyclist’s best line of defense, reducing risk of head injury by more than 50%. If the helmet is on fastened securely and properly, it could save your life.